A Monument to Heroes
By Rebecca Clark
Thomas C. Neibaur Memorial
In the spring, the birds sing victorious homage while the winter’s hush pays silent, respectful deference for the sacrifices these men and women paid for their country. A pervasive chill seeps through my jeans as I kneel adjusting the potted flowers before the granite monument of departed heroes.
Not far outside the city limits of Rexburg, Idaho, rests a monument that stands in honor of war veterans. Not many people are familiar with this memorial as it is a little bit off the beaten path; however, for those who are aware of its significance, it represents the sacrifice that these men and women were willing to give. This sacrifice was not for the chance to secure the nation, but to provide their families with a peaceful environment to raise their children.
Family members of former Sugar City native Thomas C. Neibaur (who received the Medal of Honor for heroism in World War I and became the first Medal of Honor winner from Idaho) donated more than $10,000 for the monument, and teamed with the city to make sure he, and other veterans, are not forgotten. During Sugar City’s centennial celebration in 2008, the granite monument commemorating Thomas C. Neibaur was unveiled at a park named in his honor.
Thomas C. Neibaur Veteran Park is on Center Street in Sugar City east of the gray LDS church.
According to historical information provided by Sugar City officials, it was during a fight where Neibaur’s unit was tasked with capturing a hill that events occurred that resulted in the award of the Medal of Honor for Neibaur.
He and two other soldiers had volunteered to make a flanking attack on a network of German machinegun positions. Although his two team members were soon killed and he was severely wounded in the right leg, he fought back when attacked by approximately fifty of the enemy and killed or wounded most of them. As he struggled back to his own lines, he passed out. When he came to, he found himself surrounded by about fifteen Germans who were pinned down by fire from Neibaur’s own company. As he recovered the pistol that had been dropped by the enemy, several of the Germans attacked him with bayonets. He killed four of them and the other eleven surrendered. This all happened when he was 18 years old. At the conclusion of the war, he was one of the lucky ones to come home to enjoy the peace that his suffering had won.
In addition to showing the city’s respect for Neibaur, the monument also includes the names of all other war veterans that have ever lived within the Sugar City area.
Not far outside the city limits of Rexburg, Idaho, rests a monument that stands in honor of war veterans. Not many people are familiar with this memorial as it is a little bit off the beaten path; however, for those who are aware of its significance, it represents the sacrifice that these men and women were willing to give. This sacrifice was not for the chance to secure the nation, but to provide their families with a peaceful environment to raise their children.
Family members of former Sugar City native Thomas C. Neibaur (who received the Medal of Honor for heroism in World War I and became the first Medal of Honor winner from Idaho) donated more than $10,000 for the monument, and teamed with the city to make sure he, and other veterans, are not forgotten. During Sugar City’s centennial celebration in 2008, the granite monument commemorating Thomas C. Neibaur was unveiled at a park named in his honor.
Thomas C. Neibaur Veteran Park is on Center Street in Sugar City east of the gray LDS church.
According to historical information provided by Sugar City officials, it was during a fight where Neibaur’s unit was tasked with capturing a hill that events occurred that resulted in the award of the Medal of Honor for Neibaur.
He and two other soldiers had volunteered to make a flanking attack on a network of German machinegun positions. Although his two team members were soon killed and he was severely wounded in the right leg, he fought back when attacked by approximately fifty of the enemy and killed or wounded most of them. As he struggled back to his own lines, he passed out. When he came to, he found himself surrounded by about fifteen Germans who were pinned down by fire from Neibaur’s own company. As he recovered the pistol that had been dropped by the enemy, several of the Germans attacked him with bayonets. He killed four of them and the other eleven surrendered. This all happened when he was 18 years old. At the conclusion of the war, he was one of the lucky ones to come home to enjoy the peace that his suffering had won.
In addition to showing the city’s respect for Neibaur, the monument also includes the names of all other war veterans that have ever lived within the Sugar City area.
Monument to those 'Killed in Action'
The monument stands like three guarding sentinels and honors not only a decorated soldier who served his country with strength and valor, but all those who put their lives on the line. The communities surrounding Rexburg have always taken after the city’s lead by concentrating upon the value of protecting the family unit. The men and women whose names are engraved upon the stone honored this idealistic upbringing. This monument stands not only to help us remember their sacrifice but also to encourage us to live our lives in a like manner.
